290 replies to this topic

[TroyLoney]

Since other threads seem to be getting severely off topic with discussion about Luca Sbisa I thought it would be best to start a new thread. Besides, I have a feeling we're going to talk about this kid a lot in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

As I posted in another thread here are some quotes from his former coaches and/or teammates in Philadelphia as well as one comment from a Flyers beat writer:

Here's what Flyers player development coach Derian Hatcher said about Sbisa:

Hatcher said the only defenseman he sees who really likes to hit with an attitude is Luca Sbisa. He said toughness is something that can't be taught. It has to be innate.

Here's what former Flyers goalie Martin Biron said about Sbisa:

He was a stand-out (in training camp). In the pre-season he was one of the better players. At first I didn't know who he was - he played like a veteran. He skates like a young Paul Coffey; he probably doesn't even remember Coffey.

Here's what Flyers forward Daniel Briere said about Sbisa:

Sbisa is playing way ahead of most players his age. What impresses us the most is his composure and poise. He doesn't throw away the puck like many young defensemen are prone to do. He can be so good for many years. He has the chance to be impressive.

After Sbisa's first NHL game here's what Flyers head coach John Stevens said about him:

We really didn't know what to expect from young Sbisa in a regular-season game but he can probably handle more minutes as we move along. We initially thought he'd get spot duty as a fifth, sixth defenseman, but he's shown an ability to play a little more. He's a very good player who helps us and makes us better when he plays.

Stevens, by the way, moved Sbisa to the second pairing after just one game.

Here's what Delaware County Daily Times reporter Anthony SanFilippo had to say about Sbisa during training camp last year:

(Luca) Sbisa has been impressive in training camp, playing well beyond his age, and looks like he could play in the NHL right now...Luca Sbisa is fearless. It appears his favorite thing to do is to lead a rush up ice, dump the puck into the zone, and then chase it himself, usually crunching an opponent's defenseman against the boards - or knocking himself silly - or both. Gotta love this kid.

Here's a video of Luca Sbisa hammering Scottie Glennie (8th overall pick by the Stars in the 2009 draft) with a clean hit and then getting into (and winning) a fight with Brayden Schenn (5th overall pick by the Kings in the 2009 draft)

Here's a video of Luca Sbisa and E.J. McGuire, the Director of Central Scouting talking about Sbisa's skills and potential.

If you have any other video, or comments, on Luca Sbisa please post them here.

[ladiesandgentlemen]

To be perfectly clear, I'm excited about Luca Sbisa and thrilled with the trade that brought him here.

He seems to be a top-four defenseman type player, and obviously has impressed everyone with his debut in Philly for part of last season. I am hoping that:

1. His reported injury is no big deal and can be cured by training and therapy.
2. He is on a fast-track developmentally, and that he can step in ASAP and contribute on a high level.
3. He is good enough to allow our coaching staff to take pressure off of our top line (read Scott Niedermayer) and be able to have a second and third pairing out on the ice more.

And thanks to TL for starting this thread and offering some good references on him.

[Rage]

I'm very excited to see what Sbisa can do. All his former teammates have positive comments about him, though they wouldn't voice anything negative publicy... but his coach seemed impressed which is always a great sign. Hopefully he makes the team. I wouldn't mind seeing him paired up on the second D line with Whitney.

And that first video where he destroys Glennie and then whoops Schenn was great. Looks to be a fine fit as a Duck to me.

[ducksfan95]

I liked him to begin with and after hearing all this great news im really liking him more and more, along with Whitney and Wiz this kid could be the future of this hockey clubs defensive corps. Thats a good base if you ask me

[TroyLoney]

I liked him to begin with and after hearing all this great news im really liking him more and more, along with Whitney and Wiz this kid could be the future of this hockey clubs defensive corps. Thats a good base if you ask me

I agree. When you add Jake Gardiner and Mark Mitera to that list the Ducks should have a stable of good, young defenseman for years to come.

[Sojourn]

I'm very excited to see what Sbisa can do. All his former teammates have positive comments about him, though they wouldn't voice anything negative publicy... but his coach seemed impressed which is always a great sign.

In regards to the teammates, it's more a factor of what they say, not whether it's positive or negative. They are all saying the same thing, in one fashion or another. That he stands out, and plays above his age.

[DucksPT]

Here's a video of Luca Sbisa hammering Scottie Glennie (8th overall pick by the Stars in the 2009 draft) with a clean hit and then getting into (and winning) a fight with Brayden Schenn (5th overall pick by the Kings in the 2009 draft)

What an impact play
Seems like a natural duck already

I for one didn't know him at all but most of the stuff that has been said about him has been great.
If he is as good as projected, he'll be a core part of our team very soon

[Francaise]

He moved to one of my company's properties in Newport. Okay, not skating related, heheheeheheheh

[DropThePuck]

The scouting report on him is that he's mature and smart offensively but isn't overly physical or muscular. However, he came here early to work with Sean Skahan, the Ducks' strength and conditioning coach, and his labor has begun to pay off.

"He's starting to develop into a young man," Coach Randy Carlyle said, "and it's very, very evident on the ice."
...
"In an ideal world, if he can show us he can play big minutes and play with confidence, it would be a nice touch to be able to put him with a veteran guy," Carlyle said.

That could be Niedermayer, which would suit Sbisa just fine.

"I will have a lot of chances to learn from some of the best players in the league, especially Niedermayer," Sbisa said. "He's unbelievable. And I hope to get some playing time with him and take the best from it."

<link to LAT article posted in Media Roundup>

[DucksFan39]

if the ducks are smart they will put Sbisa's locker right next to Scotty's he has the potential to make an impact this year as long as he has gotten stronger.

[ahtikullervo]

After all these positive words, why the hell traded him away???

[AngeFIN]

After all these positive words, why the hell traded him away???

Same reason we traded Smid to EDM?

[DuckSevenfold]

Cant wait to watch this kid all season long. Heck, I'm excited to watch the whole team. Almost time

[ahtikullervo]

Same reason we traded Smid to EDM?

They want ??? Seriously, we are talking about in here...

[Sojourn]

It really goes to show you the kind of person Bobby is too.

[Barmy Army]

Welcome to Allducks DuckSevenfold, hope you enjoy the site

[DropThePuck]

A New Jersey kid takes in an Italian-born, Switzerland-raised teenager as a house guest and irony ensues. Flyers Penguins Hockey

The premise of a new sitcom? Uh, no.

It’s how the summer started for Luca Sbisa after he was traded from Philadelphia to the Ducks.

<OCR blog entry by Zupke>

[mrmathews]

RC said in that article that Sbisa is going to have to compete for a top 6 spot. He better get one or I will not be so happy.

[Sojourn]

RC said in that article that Sbisa is going to have to compete for a top 6 spot. He better get one or I will not be so happy.

Would you prefer Carlyle implied that Sbisa is already a lock?

[ladiesandgentlemen]

RC said in that article that Sbisa is going to have to compete for a top 6 spot...

I don't think Carlyle necessarily said that.

Zupke quotes Carlyle, then in the next sentence writes something that he claims RC also said, which ends with a period. After that, he writes "He is expected to compete for a spot among the top-six defensemen", which to me doesn't sound like Carlyle. I think Zupke just tacked that on.

To me, this is just another example of Zupke's sometimes awkward writing.

[mrmathews]

Sbisa I guess played in the Ducks- Sharks rookie game. Anyone see how he looked???

[DropThePuck]

Sbisa I guess played in the Ducks- Sharks rookie game. Anyone see how he looked???

The game discussions are in this thread.

[Todrick]

Sbisa I guess played in the Ducks- Sharks rookie game. Anyone see how he looked???

far and away the best player on the ice.

even reading what sharks fans were saying.

[elduderino]

Found a short article about Sbisa learning from Niedermayer:

http://ducks.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/2...203/#more-19203

Hopefully the Flyers will regret the trade in a few years . Sbisa could be great cornerstone of our
future defense.

[HillerGirl]

Found a short article about Sbisa learning from Niedermayer:

http://ducks.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/2...203/#more-19203

Hopefully the Flyers will regret the trade in a few years . Sbisa could be great cornerstone of our
future defense.

i think there is a hint of regret now, they seem to have been shaping him to be their top D-man in the future, but they wanted Pronger... and to get something good you have to give up something good... and for players like Pronger you have to overpay. they know that they have traded to get better for NOW and may be a little bit for tomorrow, the Ducks got a little bit better with Sbisa than they would have been w/o him for now, and A LOT better for TOMORROW... (at least i really hope he lives up to all the good things people say he would be)